Get Moving Again Without Hip Pain
Reclaim Your Mobility and Comfort
Hip pain can turn everyday activities—walking the dog, climbing the stairs, getting in and out of the car, or simply putting on your shoes—into a genuine struggle. Whether your pain has developed gradually over time or started suddenly following an injury, specialist physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce discomfort, restore your range of motion, and get you back to the life you enjoy.
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we see patients with hip pain every day. Our physiotherapists don’t just treat the “ache”; we carry out a comprehensive mechanical assessment to find the exact driver of your symptoms and build a plan that delivers lasting results.
Understanding Hip Pain
Common Causes
The hip is a deep ball-and-socket joint, and pain can arise from several different structures:
- Hip Osteoarthritis: The gradual thinning of the protective cartilage within the joint. This typically causes stiffness in the morning and a deep ache in the groin or front of the thigh.
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): Often felt as sharp or aching pain on the outside of the hip. It’s frequently worse when lying on your side at night or climbing stairs.
- Hip Impingement (FAI): Where the bones of the hip joint are shaped in a way that causes them to “pinch” during certain movements, often felt during deep squats or when sitting for long periods.
- Labral Tears: Damage to the ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, which can cause a “clicking” or “catching” sensation.
- Referred Pain: It is very common for issues in the lower back (lumbar spine) or the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) to send pain into the buttock and hip area.
How We Treat Hip Pain
- Targeted Exercise Prescription: Strengthening the gluteal muscles is the cornerstone of hip rehabilitation. Stronger glutes act as a support system for the joint, reducing the “pinch” of impingement and the “grind” of arthritis.
- Manual Therapy: We use specific joint mobilisations and soft tissue techniques to “free up” a stiff hip. This can provide immediate relief and create a better environment for your strengthening exercises to work.
- Hydrotherapy: Our on-site heated pool is an exceptional resource for hip patients. The buoyancy of the water supports your body weight, allowing you to strengthen your muscles and move your joint through its full range without the painful impact of gravity.
- Gait & Movement Retraining: If you’ve started limping or “guarding” your hip, we work to correct these patterns, ensuring you aren’t accidentally placing more stress on your back or knees.
- Shockwave Therapy: For persistent outer-hip pain (GTPS) that hasn’t settled with exercise, Shockwave Therapy is an excellent, non-invasive option available at our Whiteley clinic.
Your First Appointment
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we know that hip pain can feel very “deep” and hard to pinpoint. Your first session is about providing clarity and a clear path forward.
Practicalities for your visit:
- A Comprehensive 45-Minute Assessment: Your clinician will assess your hip range of motion, muscle power, and walking pattern, and perform specific tests to rule out referred pain from your back.
- What to wear: Please wear shorts or very loose-fitting trousers. We need to be able to see how your hip, knee, and ankle align when you move.
- What to bring: If you have any recent X-ray or MRI reports, please bring them along. It is also helpful to bring the shoes you wear most often for walking or exercise.
- Immediate Insight: You will leave with a clear explanation of what is causing your pain and your first set of therapeutic exercises to start the recovery process.
Honesty in Recovery
We believe in realistic expectations. Because the hip is a primary weight-bearing joint, it is under constant demand.
Clinical Note: While manual therapy can improve your “range” in a single session, changing the strength of the hip muscles takes consistent effort.
Most patients with hip osteoarthritis or tendon-related pain see a significant improvement in their walking distance and comfort levels within eight to twelve weeks of a structured programme. If you are preparing for a Hip Replacement, our “pre-hab” focus will be on making you as strong as possible to ensure your post-surgical recovery is as swift as it can be.
Your Treatment Team
- Felicia Fetcu – Physiotherapist and hydrotherapy physiotherapist (CSP: 106027 | HCPC: PH117618)
- Bethany Vance – Physiotherapist (CSP: 127691 | HCPC: PH146896)
- Yves De Vos – Physiotherapist and shockwave therapy (CSP: 54623 | HCPC: PH48182)
- Diane Shaw – Physiotherapist and hydrotherapy (CSP: 49658 | HCPC: PH41958)
- Simona Jacob – Physiotherapist (CSP: 111102 | HCPC: PH124185)
- Cameron Hawley – Sports therapist and shockwave therapy (SST: 22983)
Pricing and Appointment
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Initial Assessment £79 / 45 minutes
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Follow-Up Session £59 / 30 minutes
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Block Booking £319 for 6 sessions
We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality.
To book, call 01489 569888 or email info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk.
Conveniently Located in Whiteley
Our clinic is at Gull Coppice, Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LS. We serve patients from Whiteley, Fareham, Segensworth, Swanwick, Titchfield, Sarisbury, and Burridge.
Phone: 01489 569888
Email: info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scan for hip pain?
In most cases, your physiotherapist can diagnose the cause of your hip pain clinically. If imaging is needed, our on-site diagnostic ultrasound service can help, or your physiotherapist can arrange a referral for X-ray or MRI.
Can physiotherapy help with hip osteoarthritis?
Yes. NICE recommends exercise and manual therapy as first-line treatments for hip osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active. It is also effective in preparing for and recovering from hip replacement surgery.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the cause and severity of your hip pain. Some conditions improve within three to four sessions, while more complex problems may require a longer course.
Is hip pain always from the hip joint?
No. Hip pain can be referred from the lower back, sacroiliac joint, or other structures. A thorough assessment will identify the true source of your symptoms.
Can hydrotherapy help with hip pain?
Yes. Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for hip osteoarthritis and post-surgical hip rehabilitation. The warm water reduces joint loading and makes exercise more comfortable.
What is greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
It is a condition causing pain on the outside of the hip, often related to tendon irritation and weakness in the gluteal muscles. It responds well to targeted strengthening exercises and, in persistent cases, shockwave therapy.
Can I exercise with hip pain?
In most cases, yes. The right type of exercise is one of the most effective treatments for hip pain. Your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises that are safe and appropriate for your condition.
Should I rest if my hip hurts?
Brief rest may be helpful in the acute phase, but prolonged inactivity can worsen hip stiffness and weakness. Staying gently active is usually recommended.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly.
How do I book?
Ready to Get Started?
Hip pain slowing you down? Call 01489 569888 to book your assessment and start treatment.